Dele reflects on a tough afternoon at Goodison

Speaking in a sombre tunnel area at Goodison Park, Dele’s first thoughts were with Everton’s stricken midfielder Andre Gomes before expressing his disappointment that we didn’t see the game out having taken the lead in the second half as it ended 1-1 on Sunday.

Dele fired us ahead on 63 minutes and we looked in control in a game of few clear-cut chances. Everton hadn’t really troubled us, and we looked capable of adding to our lead.

However, momentum changed following Gomes’ unfortunate injury on 79 minutes. Heung-Min Son was sent off and with a man advantage, Everton were able to push forward in search of an equaliser. Our 10 men held firm until the seventh of 12 minutes added time when Cenk Tosun headed home Lucas Digne’s cross.

It ended 1-1 but, understandably, neither team was focussing on the game in the immediate aftermath.

Dele said: “The injury wasn’t nice to see, you never want to see that happen and all we can do is send our best wishes, wish him a speedy recovery and hopefully he’ll come back.

“It was sad to see but at the same time, we had a job to do and we’re disappointed we didn’t see the game out and take the three points.

“We felt comfortable (at 1-0). It’s difficult when something like that happens in a game, it takes you back and it’s hard to focus. At the same time, we had to stay professional throughout the whole game. However many minutes were added on, you have to stay switched on and it’s disappointing not to take the three points.”

It was Dele’s second goal in three Premier League starts this term as he continues to work his way back from injury. It was his 55th goal in 192 appearances for us.

“I feel really good,” he added. “Look, people always talk, people always have opinions but I’m feeling good. I scored, but if you ask me if I’d rather score or us win, I’ll take the three points every day, so disappointed in the end.”